The response to calls for blood donations this week was positive, with around 350 donors coming forward to donate blood in just two days, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said today.

Addressing the media at the National Blood Transfusion Service premises at Guardamangia, Mr Fearne said that a good 350 persons came forward in a matter of two days, 80 of whom are new donors.

Normally, he said, around 35 donors give blood daily but in just a matter of two days, after the unit, with the help of the media, boosted their awareness campaign, the amount of donors tripled.

Mr Fearne said that it is a global phenomenon that blood donations dip during the summer months. He explained that the unit needs an average 50 units daily. The reason for the dip during summer months, he continued, is probably due to the fact that many are either abroad on holiday or are too busy with their children’s activities. 

Mr Fearne said that an average 17,000 registered donors out of a total 20,000 donate blood yearly. He said that 8,000 are regular donors.

He also called on employers to excuse workers who are willing to give blood, adding that he has no doubt that employers do their utmost and encourage their employees to perform this noble gesture. A blood donor who was present said that he could not give blood when the actual call was issued earlier this week since he was at work but came today instead.

Lifting ban on gay men wishing to donate blood proposal: Technical experts drawing up report

Lifting the ban on gay men wishing to donate blood and opening up IVF treatment to lesbians are among the proposals presented to the Prime Minister earlier this week by the LGBTIQ consultative council.

Asked for a comment on this issue, Mr Fearne said that nobody should be discriminated against and has asked technical experts to draw up a report on the potential risks that exist in the event gay men gave blood. He also said that he asked the experts to see whether there are mitigating measures which can be implemented.

The blood transfusion unit is open daily between 8.30am and 6pm and on Sunday donors can avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the blood transfusion mobile unit which will be stationed at The Granaries in Floriana between 8.30am and 1p.m. One can also visit the official Facebook page - 'National Blood Transfusion Services Malta' - and ‘like’ the page. The page can also be used as a tool to be more informed on the procedure and other issues pertaining to blood donations.